What does “a good name is rather to be chosen than great riches” mean?

This line is saying that having a good, honest reputation is better than having a lot of money. A good name comes from living with integrity, loving God, and treating people right. Money can be lost or used up, and it does not say anything about a person’s character. But a good name follows you everywhere and is worth more than silver or gold. The verse calls us to care more about who we are before God and others than about what we own.

How should we understand “train up a child in the way he should go”?

This teaches parents to raise children in the right path from the start. That includes teaching them God’s ways, correcting them when they stray, and giving them an example of godly living. The verse speaks as a general pattern: what is planted early usually lasts. It does not promise that no child will ever wander, but it holds out real hope that faithful, patient training in what is right will leave a deep mark that guides them even when they are grown.

What does it mean that “the rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender”?

This verse is facing the hard reality that money gives power. Those who have wealth often end up ruling over those who lack it. When someone borrows, they place themselves under the one who lends. That person can now demand payment and set terms. The point is not to praise this, but to warn us. It urges wisdom about debt and reminds both rich and poor that God sees and will judge how people use their power and treat those who are weaker.

How does this passage speak about rich and poor together?

It says that rich and poor meet together and that the Lord made them all. That means every person, no matter their bank balance, is God’s creature and has worth before him. Wealth or poverty does not change that. The passage also warns against oppressing the poor or trying to gain more by crushing them. It calls for generosity, care for those in need, and humility from those who have more, because God made both groups and watches how they treat each other.

What does “he that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity” teach about actions and results?

This picture comes from farming. To sow is to plant seed, and to reap is to gather the harvest. If someone plants injustice and sin, they should expect a harvest of emptiness, trouble, and loss. Wrongdoing may seem to work for a while, but in the end it fails and brings shame. The verse also says the rod of his anger will fail, meaning harsh power used to hurt others will be taken away. God will not let evil ruling last forever.

Who is the person with a “bountiful eye,” and why will he be blessed?

A person with a bountiful eye looks at others with kindness and is quick to share. Instead of clinging to his bread, he gladly gives to the poor. This kind of open hand brings blessing. People are helped and needs are met, and God is pleased with such mercy. The verse encourages a generous spirit, trusting that God will care for those who care for others. It shows that true blessing is not in hoarding wealth, but in using it to relieve the needy.

Why does the passage tell us to cast out the scorner so contention will stop?

A scorner is someone who mocks, stirs arguments, and refuses wise correction. Where such a person stays, fights and shame tend to grow. The saying teaches that peace sometimes comes only when a hardened scoffer is removed from close fellowship or influence. Once that voice is gone, many quarrels die out. This is not about rejecting anyone who disagrees, but about dealing wisely with those who constantly tear others down and will not listen to reason.

What does this passage teach about raising and correcting children?

Two sayings speak about children. One calls parents to train a child in the right way from early days, trusting that this teaching will stay with them. Another says foolishness is tied to a child’s heart, and the rod of correction can drive it far away. Together they show that children are not born wise. They need loving discipline, clear teaching, and steady guidance. The goal is not harshness, but to turn them from natural folly toward wisdom and a life that fears God.

How does this passage describe the slothful man and his excuse about a lion?

The slothful man in this saying makes a far-fetched excuse to avoid work: he claims there is a lion outside and he might be killed in the streets. The picture is meant to be almost humorous. It shows how laziness invents dangers and reasons to stay put instead of doing what needs to be done. The lesson is that many excuses are just a cover for unwillingness. Wisdom calls us to see through such excuses in ourselves and to be diligent in the tasks God gives us.

What warning is given about the “mouth of strange women” as a deep pit?

Here the “mouth of strange women” points to the speech and enticements of a woman who draws a man into sexual sin. Calling it a deep pit shows how dangerous and trapping this path is. Once someone falls in, it is hard to get out. The verse also says that the one who falls there is under God’s displeasure, showing that this is both moral and spiritual danger. It is a sober warning, especially to the young, to stay far from such temptation and cling to purity.

Prov.22.1

Proverbs 22:1

KJV

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

A Good Name

A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favour rather than silver and gold.

The rich and poor meet together: the Lord is the maker of them all.

A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.

By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life.

Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

The rich ruleth over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender.

He that soweth iniquity shall reap vanity: and the rod of his anger shall fail.

He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.

Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yea, strife and reproach shall cease.

He that loveth pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips the king shall be his friend.

The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and he overthroweth the words of the transgressor.

The slothful man saith, There is a lion without, I shall be slain in the streets.

The mouth of strange women is a deep pit: he that is abhorred of the Lord shall fall therein.

Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child; but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him.

He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.

Cross References

No cross references available for this verse.